The European Judo Union is pleased to announce that the Ne-waza European Judo Championships 2026 will take place on 20 August in Riga, Latvia.
This adjustment follows the unforeseen decision of the French Judo Federation to return the organisation rights for the Veteran European Championships 2026, where the Ne-waza competition was originally scheduled to be included. In response, the EJU acted immediately to ensure continuity and maintain the integrity of the event by securing an alternative host.
While the Veteran European Championships 2026 have since been successfully relocated to Portimão, Portugal, the programme will now feature only the individual competition, with the Ne-waza Championships established as a standalone event in Riga.
The President of the Latvian Judo Federation, Vsevolods Zelonijs, shared his thoughts:
“On behalf of the Latvian Judo Federation, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the President of the European Judo Federation, Dr. László Tóth, as well as to the entire European Judo Federation, for their trust and for the opportunity to host the very first European Ne-waza Championship, which will take place this August.
“Over the past years, in close cooperation with the European Judo Federation, we have successfully organised numerous events at the highest European level: Cups, European Cups and European Championships. With each event, we strive to raise our standards, gaining valuable experience that allows us to grow and to further promote judo across Europe and especially within the Baltic region.
“We strongly believe that Ne-waza represents a highly promising direction for the future of judo. As an essential part of our sport, it has the potential to take its rightful place and become one of the most exciting and widely followed disciplines.
“We are fully committed to delivering this championship at the highest level and to providing outstanding conditions for all participants. This will be a truly unique event, bringing together cadets, juniors, seniors, and veterans, uniting generations through judo.
“We are confident that this championship will become a true celebration of judo, and I would like to sincerely congratulate everyone on this important milestone.“
Author: EJU Media